The HRP-conjugated CD36 antibody is utilized across diverse experimental paradigms:
Detection of CD36 in lysates: Validates CD36 expression in cell lines (e.g., THP-1 macrophages, HepG2 hepatocytes) and tissues (e.g., platelets, adipose tissue) .
Band Patterns:
Tissue Localization: Identifies CD36+ cells in paraffin-embedded sections (e.g., spleen, adipose tissue, endothelial cells) .
Antigen Retrieval: Requires heat-mediated citrate buffer treatment (pH 6) for optimal staining .
Blocking Experiments: While not directly blocking, HRP-conjugated antibodies aid in validating target engagement when paired with blocking agents (e.g., scFv D11) .
Below is a comparison of HRP-conjugated CD36 antibodies and related reagents:
Note: Only NB400-144H is explicitly HRP-conjugated. Others require secondary HRP-labeled antibodies for detection .
OxLDL Uptake: HRP-conjugated CD36 antibodies confirm CD36-mediated internalization of oxidized lipoproteins in macrophages, contributing to foam cell formation and atherosclerosis .
Fatty Acid Transport: CD36 facilitates long-chain fatty acid uptake in adipocytes and muscle cells, as validated by WB and IHC-P .
Thrombospondin-1 Binding: CD36 phosphorylation (e.g., PKC-dependent) inhibits thrombospondin-1 interaction, modulating angiogenesis and apoptosis .
TLR4/TLR6 Signaling: CD36 acts as a co-receptor for bacterial lipopeptides, triggering NF-κB-dependent cytokine production (e.g., CXCL1, IL-1β) .
Cross-Reactivity: Polyclonal antibodies (e.g., NB400-144H) may bind non-specific epitopes. Validate with negative controls (e.g., isotype-matched IgG) .
Optimization: Dilution and antigen retrieval protocols vary by tissue type. For example, liver sections may require extended blocking to reduce background .
Endogenous HRP: Tissues with high endogenous peroxidase (e.g., lungs, liver) may require additional blocking steps .
CD36 is a multifunctional glycoprotein receptor interacting with a broad range of ligands, including proteins (thrombospondin, fibronectin, collagen, amyloid-β) and lipids (oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), anionic phospholipids, long-chain fatty acids, and bacterial diacylated lipopeptides). These ligands are typically multivalent, enabling simultaneous engagement of multiple CD36 receptors. The resulting receptor clustering initiates signal transduction and internalization of ligand-receptor complexes. Coreceptor involvement is highly ligand-specific. CD36's diverse roles include contributions to angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, fatty acid metabolism, taste perception, and intestinal dietary fat processing. It facilitates long-chain fatty acid cellular uptake, influencing muscle lipid utilization, adipose energy storage, and intestinal fat absorption. In the small intestine, it participates in proximal dietary fatty acid and cholesterol absorption, potentially via the MAPK1/3 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway, optimizing chylomicron formation. CD36 is involved in oral fat perception and influences pancreatobiliary secretions. In taste receptor cells, it mediates long-chain fatty acid-induced intracellular calcium increases, activating gustatory neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract. It plays a crucial role in ventromedial hypothalamus neuronal sensing of long-chain fatty acids, regulating energy and glucose homeostasis. CD36 mediates the antiangiogenic effects of thrombospondins THBS1 and THBS2. As a coreceptor for the TLR4:TLR6 heterodimer, it enhances inflammation in monocytes/macrophages. Ligand binding (e.g., oxLDL or amyloid-β 42) leads to TLR4:TLR6 heterodimer interaction, complex internalization, and inflammatory responses. This includes NF-κB-dependent production of CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL9 (via MYD88), CCL5 (via TICAM1), and IL1B (via NLRP3 inflammasome activation). CD36 is a selective sensor of microbial diacylated lipopeptides signaling via the TLR2:TLR6 heterodimer, triggering NF-κB-dependent TNF production (via MYD88) and subsequent Golgi targeting via a lipid-raft dependent pathway. Furthermore, CD36 directly mediates Plasmodium falciparum-parasitized erythrocyte cytoadherence and particle internalization independently of TLR signaling.
CD36 is a multifunctional glycoprotein receptor expressed on the surface of various cell types including macrophages, platelets, and adipocytes. It serves as a receptor for a broad range of ligands including thrombospondin, fibronectin, collagen, amyloid-beta, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), anionic phospholipids, long-chain fatty acids, and bacterial diacylated lipopeptides . CD36 plays critical roles in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and atherosclerosis, and is involved in the recognition and uptake of various ligands such as oxidized low-density lipoproteins, long-chain fatty acids, and apoptotic cells . Additionally, CD36 is implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria by mediating cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitized erythrocytes . Its involvement in multiple physiological and pathological processes makes it a valuable target for researchers studying metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and infectious diseases.
HRP-conjugated CD36 antibodies offer several methodological advantages:
Direct detection without secondary antibodies, which simplifies protocols and reduces experimental time
Elimination of potential cross-reactivity issues associated with secondary antibodies
Enhanced sensitivity in detection systems using chemiluminescent or colorimetric substrates
Reduced background in applications where endogenous biotin or other binding sites might interact with detection systems
Compatibility with multiplexing experiments where multiple primary antibodies from the same host species can be used simultaneously
These benefits make HRP-conjugated CD36 antibodies particularly useful for immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA applications where direct detection is advantageous .
The species reactivity of CD36 antibodies varies by manufacturer and clone. Based on the available information:
| Manufacturer | Catalog Number | Host | Validated Species Reactivity | Cited Species Reactivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-Techne/Novus | NB400-144H | Rabbit | Human, Mouse, Rat, Porcine, Avian, Bovine, Primate, Rabbit | Mouse |
| ARP | CSB-PA09479B0Rb | Rabbit | Human | N/A |
| Invitrogen | PA533291 | Rabbit | Human, Mouse, Rat, Bovine, Non-human Primate, Pig, Rabbit | N/A |
| OriGene | TA500954BM | Mouse | Human, Rat | N/A |
Researchers should verify species cross-reactivity for their specific application, particularly when working with less common model organisms .
Storage conditions vary by manufacturer, but general recommendations include:
The presence of glycerol (noted in some formulations as 50% glycerol) helps prevent freeze-thaw damage. Key practices to maintain antibody performance:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as they can degrade both the antibody and the HRP enzyme
Store in small aliquots if frequent use is anticipated
Keep protected from light as HRP is light-sensitive
Check manufacturer's specific recommendations for preservative content, as some formulations contain preservatives while others don't
Note the stability period provided by the manufacturer, typically 12 months from receipt under proper storage conditions
Determining optimal dilution requires systematic titration experiments:
Start with manufacturer's recommended dilution range:
Perform a dilution series experiment:
Prepare 3-5 dilutions around the recommended range
Include positive controls (tissues/cells known to express CD36)
Include negative controls (tissues/cells known to lack CD36 or primary antibody omitted)
Evaluate signal-to-noise ratio:
For Western blot applications, note that CD36 typically appears at 75-80 kDa despite a theoretical molecular weight of ~53 kDa due to post-translational modifications including glycosylation and palmitoylation .
Recommended positive controls include:
Cell/tissue types with known high CD36 expression:
Specific positive controls mentioned in product information:
Validated sample types from literature:
When validating antibody specificity, researchers should consider both positive controls (expected to show signal) and negative controls (expected to show minimal signal or tissues where CD36 expression is blocked or knocked down).
CD36 often appears at a higher molecular weight (75-80 kDa) than its predicted size (~53 kDa) in Western blots. This discrepancy is methodologically important to understand:
Post-translational modifications:
Troubleshooting approaches:
Enzymatic deglycosylation treatments (PNGase F, Endo H) can confirm glycosylation's contribution
Sample preparation methods that preserve protein modifications (avoid excessive heating)
Use positive control samples with verified CD36 molecular weight
Consider tissue/cell-specific variations in post-translational modifications
Validation strategies:
Compare with recombinant CD36 lacking post-translational modifications
Use CD36 knockout/knockdown samples as negative controls
Consider alternative antibody clones that recognize different epitopes
Researchers should note that the difference between theoretical molecular weight and observed weight on Western blot is expected for CD36 and should not necessarily be interpreted as non-specific binding .
When investigating CD36's role in lipid metabolism, several methodological considerations are critical:
Sample preparation:
Careful tissue harvesting to preserve membrane integrity where CD36 resides
Appropriate lysis buffers that effectively solubilize membrane proteins without denaturing epitopes
Consider subcellular fractionation to differentiate cell surface versus intracellular CD36 pools
Experimental design:
Include physiologically relevant controls (fasted vs. fed state, insulin treatment, etc.)
Consider lipid loading experiments to assess CD36 translocation
Incorporate metabolic challenges (high-fat diet, fatty acid treatment) to observe dynamic changes
Detection optimization:
For tissues with high lipid content (adipose tissue, fatty liver), additional blocking steps may be necessary
Background reduction techniques such as milk-based blockers for Western blots
Additional washing steps for immunohistochemistry applications
Functional correlation:
Combine CD36 detection with functional assays of fatty acid uptake
Consider dual labeling with lipid droplet markers or other metabolic proteins
Correlate CD36 localization/expression with physiological or pathological endpoints
CD36 functions as fatty acid translocase and is involved in long-chain fatty acid uptake, making these considerations particularly important for metabolism-focused research .
When investigating CD36's role in atherosclerosis and inflammation:
Cell-specific expression analysis:
Use dual labeling approaches to identify CD36-expressing cell types in lesions
Compare expression across different vascular beds and lesion stages
Correlate with markers of inflammation (cytokines, adhesion molecules)
Ligand interaction studies:
Examine co-localization with oxidized LDL in atherosclerotic plaques
Assess binding of other CD36 ligands (thrombospondin, amyloid-β, etc.)
Consider competitive binding assays to determine relative affinity
Technical considerations:
Careful fixation methods that preserve both CD36 epitopes and lipid components
Antigen retrieval optimization for formalin-fixed tissues
Signal amplification methods for detecting lower expression levels
Experimental models:
Compare CD36 expression between normal and atherosclerotic vessels
Analyze inflammatory stimuli effects on CD36 expression
Consider time-course experiments to track CD36 expression changes during disease progression
Controls and validation:
Include appropriate disease controls (normal vs. pathological samples)
Use validated tissue sections from previous publications
Consider genetic models (CD36-deficient) as negative controls
CD36 acts as a scavenger receptor that binds oxidized LDL and plays a significant role in foam cell formation during atherosclerosis development, making these methodological approaches particularly relevant .
Optimizing dual labeling experiments with HRP-conjugated CD36 antibodies requires careful planning:
Sequential detection approach:
Complete the HRP-conjugated CD36 antibody detection first
Inactivate HRP using hydrogen peroxide (3% H₂O₂ in PBS for 10 minutes)
Perform second antigen detection with an alternative system (alkaline phosphatase, fluorescence)
Validate complete inactivation through control experiments
Spectral separation strategies:
Use spectrally distinct substrates for different enzymes
For colorimetric detection, pair HRP (brown/DAB) with AP (red/Fast Red)
For chemiluminescence, use fluorescent substrates with non-overlapping spectra
Antibody selection considerations:
Choose primary antibodies from different host species when possible
Validate each antibody individually before dual labeling
Perform absorption controls to check for cross-reactivity
Order of application:
Test different sequences of antibody application to determine optimal protocol
Generally apply antibodies against less abundant targets first
Consider antigen masking effects when epitopes are in close proximity
Signal amplification balance:
Adjust dilutions of each antibody to achieve comparable signal intensities
Consider tyramide signal amplification for the weaker signal
Establish appropriate exposure times for each signal individually
These approaches enable researchers to effectively study CD36 in relation to other markers in the same sample, providing valuable co-localization data .
Fixation methods significantly impact CD36 detection in tissue sections:
Formalin fixation considerations:
Standard 10% neutral-buffered formalin is compatible with CD36 detection
Limit fixation time (24-48 hours optimal, longer fixation may require stronger antigen retrieval)
Post-fixation processing (alcohol dehydration, paraffin embedding) should follow standard protocols
Frozen section advantages:
Minimal epitope masking makes frozen sections ideal for CD36 detection
Light fixation (4% paraformaldehyde for 10-15 minutes) preserves morphology while maintaining antigenicity
Consider acetone fixation (10 minutes at -20°C) as an alternative that works well with CD36 detection
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) is often effective
For stronger retrieval, consider EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
Optimize retrieval time (typically 10-20 minutes) based on fixation duration
Comparison of methods:
| Fixation Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% NBF/Paraffin | Good morphology, long-term storage | Requires antigen retrieval | Standard approach, validated in literature |
| Frozen sections | Excellent antigen preservation | Poorer morphology | Best for co-localization studies |
| Acetone fixation | Quick, good for membrane proteins | Limited morphology preservation | Good for cells and small tissue pieces |
Multiple commercially available CD36 antibodies with HRP conjugation have been validated for both frozen and paraffin-embedded sections .
Tissues with high lipid content (adipose tissue, fatty liver, atherosclerotic plaques) present special challenges for CD36 immunostaining:
Enhanced blocking protocols:
Extended blocking times (1-2 hours at room temperature)
Use of specialized blockers containing both proteins and detergents
Sequential blocking with different blockers (e.g., 5% BSA followed by 10% normal serum)
Addition of 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to improve penetration through lipid-rich areas
Modified washing procedures:
More frequent and longer washing steps
Include 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 in wash buffers
Consider using PBS with higher salt concentration (PBS + 0.5M NaCl) for one wash step
Antibody diluent optimization:
Dilute antibodies in solution containing 1-2% BSA and 0.05% Tween-20
Consider adding 5-10% normal serum from the same species as the tissue
Low concentration of non-ionic detergents helps reduce hydrophobic interactions
Endogenous peroxidase quenching:
More thorough quenching (3% H₂O₂ for 15-20 minutes)
For highly vascular tissues, consider using H₂O₂ in methanol rather than aqueous solution
Perform quenching step before blocking for better penetration
Control sections:
Include isotype controls at the same concentration as primary antibody
Process serial sections with primary antibody omitted
Consider absorption controls with immunizing peptide when available
These approaches help distinguish true CD36 signal from background issues in challenging tissues with high lipid content .
Accurate quantification of CD36 in Western blot applications requires methodological rigor:
Sample preparation optimization:
Standardize protein extraction methods across samples
Include appropriate protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Avoid excessive heating which can cause aggregation of membrane proteins
Consider membrane fraction enrichment for enhanced CD36 detection
Quantification controls:
Include a concentration gradient of recombinant CD36 for standard curve generation
Use housekeeping proteins appropriate for the experimental context
For membrane proteins, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase or calnexin may be better controls than cytoskeletal proteins
Include positive control samples with known CD36 expression levels
Technical considerations:
Ensure equivalent protein loading (20-50 μg total protein typically sufficient)
Transfer efficiency monitoring with reversible staining (Ponceau S)
Optimize exposure time to ensure detection within linear range
Use digital image acquisition systems rather than film for better quantification
Data analysis approaches:
Express CD36 levels relative to appropriate loading controls
For comparing across multiple blots, include a common reference sample on each blot
Consider normalization to total protein staining methods (SYPRO Ruby, Coomassie)
Statistical comparison of replicate experiments (minimum n=3)
Validation considerations:
Verify specificity with known positive and negative controls
Consider alternative detection methods (ELISA, flow cytometry) for confirmation
Account for the higher molecular weight (~75-80 kDa) of CD36 due to glycosylation
These methodological approaches enable reliable quantitative comparison of CD36 expression across experimental conditions .
CD36 plays important roles in pathogen recognition and infectious disease processes that can be studied using HRP-conjugated antibodies:
Malaria research applications:
Detect CD36 expression on endothelial cells and correlate with cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes
Examine CD36 localization at the interface between infected erythrocytes and host cells
Monitor changes in CD36 expression during infection progression
Investigate co-localization with other receptors involved in parasite sequestration
Bacterial infection studies:
Analyze CD36 expression in response to bacterial diacylated lipopeptides
Study CD36-dependent phagocytosis of bacteria by macrophages
Investigate CD36 clustering and signaling in response to bacterial components
Correlate CD36 expression with bacterial clearance in tissue samples
Technical considerations:
Use appropriate fixation protocols that preserve both CD36 epitopes and pathogen structures
Consider dual labeling approaches to visualize CD36-pathogen interactions
Include time-course analysis to track dynamic changes in CD36 expression
Implement quantitative image analysis for co-localization studies
Experimental validation:
Compare results between in vitro and in vivo infection models
Use CD36 blocking antibodies or knockdown approaches as functional controls
Include genetically modified pathogens lacking CD36-binding ligands
Correlate immunohistochemistry findings with functional assays of pathogen adhesion
The direct HRP conjugation enables more precise localization studies with reduced background, which is particularly valuable when examining the interface between host cells and pathogens .
CD36's roles in neuroinflammation and amyloid-β interactions make it relevant to neurodegenerative disease research:
Brain tissue-specific considerations:
Optimize fixation and antigen retrieval for preservation of both CD36 epitopes and neural structures
Consider post-fixation times carefully as brain tissue may require different processing
Use appropriate permeabilization methods for improved antibody penetration
Cell-specific expression analysis:
Implement dual labeling with cell-type specific markers (microglia, astrocytes, neurons)
Analyze regional variations in CD36 expression across brain structures
Compare expression patterns between healthy and diseased tissues
Amyloid-β interaction studies:
Investigate co-localization between CD36 and amyloid deposits
Examine relationship between CD36-expressing cells and plaque formation
Study temporal relationship between CD36 upregulation and disease progression
Technical optimization:
Reduce autofluorescence through specialized treatments (Sudan Black B)
Consider signal amplification methods for detecting low expression levels
Implement careful blocking of endogenous peroxidase in highly vascular regions
Use antigen retrieval methods optimized for fixed brain tissue
Functional correlations:
Link CD36 expression patterns to inflammatory markers
Correlate with indicators of phagocytic activity
Examine relationship to disease severity markers
CD36 functions as a receptor for amyloid-β and contributes to microglial inflammatory responses in neurodegenerative contexts, making these methodological considerations particularly relevant .